I am with a committee we call “Light Up Marshalltown.” It stands for a light at the end of the tunnel.

We do not know how many people realize how the Marshalltown community is still being affected from the tornado that tore through their entire downtown from the West side to the East side on July 19th, 2018. There are still roofs, siding, windows, insulation and more that still needs replaced. Due to the long wet winter, this work was unable to be completed. All of these issues has also caused a great increase in utility bills over the winter. Some businesses are not able to reopen, due to the costs and a lot of Insurance companies have cancelled both home and business insurance, that people had paid and thought would cover them in such an event. Many are still in need of clothes, furniture, jobs, mental and physical assistance and places to rent.

I have been receiving peoples names and items they need since right after Thanksgiving. So many were without presents to place under their trees for Christmas.

We have accepted two non-profits to help us with money donations raised to disburse to help as many as they can with utility cards or by means they see is needed by these people.

These are MICA-Long term recovery and the Salvation Army.

Our committee is having a large fundraiser at the Tama Ballroom, located at 1411 E 5th St. on Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. on, to raise as much as we can for these nonprofits to help their community. From 10am-3pm we will be holding a craft/vendor show, from 10am-10pm we will be holding a Silent Auction.

We already have some very nice gifts to bid on, such as; 1 yr. gym membership, a fantasy suite at Designers Inn, a box of Iowa Premium beef and much more. From 5-10 p.m. Jake Simon is donating his band’s performance. There will be a $10. cover charge with all monies received being given to the nonprofits.

There will be a few outdoor Food vendors from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. There will be items there for children and adults.

Free raffle items will be given out during the evening events-must be present to win. Feel free to contact any committee member with questions or comments: Rose Anaya, owner of the venue, Deb Marvin, Cheryl Winter or Jennifer Ayers.